Bannockburn sets up Eagles Prelim with victory over Corio

BANNOCKBURN is one win away from the Geelong & District Netball League (GDNL) Grand Final after upsetting top two finishers Corio, 32-40, in today’s (Sunday, September 1) Semi-Final.

Corio failed to crack double digits in the first quarter, ceding the early lead to Bannockburn who led at the first break, 9-13.

Bannockburn’s lead was halved by the Devils 15 minutes later, the Tigers now only leading 18-20 with the contest capable of swinging either way.

But the Tigers doubled up the Devils in the third quarter 6-12 to have a comfortable 24-32 three-quarter time advantage.

Shanya Brown’s Corio side did its best to try to cut into Bannockburn’s lead, but the mission was too far out of reach as the Tigers stayed strong defensively to walk away from St Albans with the win and with a spot in this year’s final three.

Ella Wasik and Tamara Watts were superb in the attacking third for Bannockburn with 25 and 15 goals respectively and will look to cause headaches in a week’s time against East Geelong.

Corio searched for answers forward of the midcourt with four players hitting the scoresheet. Jordyn Fairchild finished with 19 goals, Brown with seven, Jorden Nichols with five and Kailah-Mae Keepen with one.

Watts, Rosie Shannahan and Erin Dillon were commended for their performances with best-on-court nominations for Bannockburn, and Corio centre Molly Gribble, Sophie Trezise and Keepen were nominated the same for the Devils.

Despite making finals in back-to-back seasons, Corio has yet to come away with a win from three attempts and will have to try again in 2025.

Bannockburn will have to overcome the minor premiers next Saturday at St Albans Reserve if they are to appear in this year’s GDNL Grand Final, but it will be a tall order against an East Geelong side reeling from yesterday’s loss to Winchelsea.